Stranded near Barcelona...
 

Hi,

While riding toward Barcelona on the N340 in Cambrils a couple hours ago the drive shaft on my 12gs packed it in. I have settled in a campground but now need to get the bike to the nearest dealer and I am looking for suggestions. As a typical American my command of foreign languages is pretty close to zero and the Spanish BMW website did not translate well enough for me to get a good clue as to the nearest one.

Any help will be appreciated!

Thanks,
Paul

Yer not alone with the language thing.
There is a strong british presence in Spain, so English is not too far away.

How rideable is the bike? Not all all? Pushable? 100 yards?

'We' have communities - people in region that band together to help. They also like to meet and learn from passing travellers too.
Link to page
Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers' Community - Contact a Community!


Humm see what you mean about the spanish site :)
Hmm there are 17 dealers in Barcelona .. Spoilt for choice? I've not idea of which one is better, has parts etc ..
so best just start at the top ?
Oh .. it brakes down into smaller regions .. north of Bacelona - Gironia ..? the Barcelona small region has 14 dealers suggest you ring the one at the top and ask - for an english speaker first - then explain your situation and they should be able to assist - either to another closer/more bike dealer or do it themselves.

BMW Barcelona
c/ Juan de Austria, 1

08930 Sant Adriá de Besós
Teléfono: +34934631800

Cómo llegar

Actividad: Exposición y venta, Servicio oficial, Moto Premium Selection (Motos de ocasión)


You might get the campground people to assist in making the phone call.

Accommodation in Bacelona:
http://www.hihostels.com/dba/hostels...-051003.en.htm
Cheap Hotels, Bed and Breakfast, Apartments and Hostels in Barcelona | Barcelona30.com

Here's another one: Control 94 - Concesionario Oficial BMW

Ask for Lluis Graells, he'll probably manage to find some way to help.

All the best.

DM

I have English speaking friends but they are a bit further up from you not far from girona.if it doesn't drive at all your going to have to deal with it there,if you can limp it further up through Spain a bit,they usualy can help out and maybe accommodate..message me on here if its any help.

Hi,

Thanks for the quick replies! The bike will coast at slow speeds but is unrideable otherwise.

Unfortunately the campground staff does not speak English, but it looks like Busquets from the Motorad Espana site is just 10 km away.

A search showed a half dozen folks have posted having identical symptoms with the issue being a failed U joint on the drive shaft. A major problem as it can cause all sorts of nasty side effects.

Any progress?

That's certainly true, google brings up http://talleres.soymotero.net/busquets-reus about 12 kms away from you.

I'm sure you'll get some help from the local comunities, but I'm kind of puzzled about why people in a campsite aren't able to help in making a phone call though.
I don't speak a word of Catalan, but I think I can make myself understood on the phone if need be. Just shoot me a message if you'd like to give this a try.

Thank you for the kind offer. The bike is now at Brusquets and we should get an estimate this evening. Might be a few days to get the parts and an arm and a leg for the repair.

1700 Euro to replace the drive shaft, swing arm and boot. I'm a bit disappointed that it only lasted 51K miles, but it did choose a very nice and convenient spot to go. They were very nice and went out of their way at Busquets to help us and we should be back on the road on Friday. In the meantime we get to explore Barcelona!

Boatdoc
Just picked up your message to the community - and this thread. Looks like you are well on your way to bike repair - though that bill is a bit to swallow.

If you need anything further, drop me a line. I'll PM you my contact details.

Pat